Chapter Fifteen – Not Quite Over
It was five o'clock when the three returned back to their hotel room. They went out for an early dinner, realizing most restaurants would soon be flooded with large families on Christmas Eve. The days felt like they went by faster than usual. The excitement of all this reminded of Amy of the lack of sleep and food she had taken in since she arrived in Wendy Falls.
Sam and Dean went into their own room to throw off their jackets and shoes. Amy remained in hers, removing her black hoodie, and coming back into the guys' room.
"Hey, I think I'm going to head into the shower," Amy announced, running a hand through her hair.
"Some Christmas Eve, huh?" Sam asked, turning the fireplace on again.
Amy cocked her head to the side and agreed. "Yeah."
Dean sat down on the edge of his bed and tossed his leather jacket off. He sighed and fell onto his back.
"Poor Mr. Sleepy-Head," Amy rolled her eyes. "Tough day?"
"Hey," Dean fought back, grinning, "it's always a very stressful job…"
"Riiight…" Amy crooned.
Sam thought for a moment and asked, "So, what should we do on this Christmas Eve night…"
"Hmmm…" Amy mumbled. "Ooh, how about we rent some movies and just veg' out in front of the T.V."
"That's a very girly thing to do," Dean whined playfully.
"Or we could play poker and eat chips and drink beer…" Amy mocked.
"Hey, strip poker is always fun," Dean grinned. "And I would love some beer…"
Dean seemed to be acting coyer than his usual self. Sam rolled his eyes at his brother and grabbed the keys to the Impala off the table.
"Here…I'll go to Wal-Mart and pick up some stuff, and I'll go to a nearby video store…" Sam announced. "I'll see if we can do anything productive this holiday."
"Oh, here," Amy reached in her back pocket and pulled out a very thin wallet. She opened it and removed a blue credit card from one of the pockets. Handing it over to Sam, she ordered, "Have fun with it, okay?"
Sam shook his head and tried to force the credit card back in her hand. Amy took a step close to Sam so her face was directly near his.
"My treat…" Amy ordered softly. "Save up your money, okay?"
She took the credit card and slipped it into Sam's jacket. He rolled his eyes and gave a small grin.
"You know we'll pay you back, right?" Sam whispered.
"Sam…" Amy whispered. "This is my gift to you…it's a new credit card…you and Dean are going to use it while you two are on your road trip…understand? Now go and get stuff so we can celebrate Christmas Eve somewhat…"
He sighed and Sam looked directly down at Amy. "Thanks, Amy," he grinned.
"You're welcome," Amy smiled. "Now go."
O.O.O.O.O.
5:47 P.M….
Amy came out of the bathroom wearing black shorts and a gray Stanford sweatshirt she had received from Sam last Christmas. Her wet hair was put up in a black clip to give it its more wavy texture.
She carried her wet towel to the table and placed it on one of the chairs. Amy stretched her arms out and relaxed. The fire was lit in her own fireplace and the room felt so cozy now. The lights on the Christmas tree were on and the balcony curtains were opened to reveal a quiet, somewhat lit town. Some buildings and stores still had their lights on.
Turning on the T.V., the first thing that came on was "Charlie Brown's Christmas"…she smiled at the old familiar show and Amy left her room to go into Dean's.
O.O.O.O.O.
He was found sleeping. Amy rolled her eyes and she slowly made her way to the bed. He still wore his jeans but he had taken off his white T-shirt. Dean slept in the maroon shirt that was fully unbuttoned to reveal his chest and abs. The sleeves had been rolled up to his elbows. He slept quietly and Amy hated the idea of waking him.
It's Christmas Eve…Amy thought. Maybe he won't mind…
She could hear her cell phone going off back in her hotel room. Amy sighed and thought I'm coming back for you, Winchester…
Amy came skipping into her hotel room and quickly picked up her black Razr. SAM was written across the screen. She flipped open the phone and answered, "Where are you?"
"I'm still at Wal-Mart!" Sam yelled through the phone. He stood by in the 10-Items-or-Less aisle that contained twenty people in a life. Sam held onto the blue Wal-Mart basket filled with several items.
"Oh wow," Amy replied into the phone.
"People are insane during the holidays," Sam laughed through the phone.
"Awe, I'm sorry!" Amy laughed. "Hurry up and get back as soon as you can, okay? 'Charlie Brown's Christmas' is on and I'm the only one watching it…"
"Don't tell me Dean went back to sleep!" Sam laughed.
"I think he's catching up on some much-needed rest," Amy explained. "And you definitely need to do the same!"
"I will, no worries," Sam comforted through the phone. "Wake up Dean…I should be back around…hell, I dunno…the line doesn't feel like it's moving…"
"I'll see you soon Sam!" Amy laughed. She ended the conversation and glanced down at her cell phone. The battery was almost dead. She picked up the charger from beside her bed and began to charge her phone just as it had died. She turned the cellular device off as it took time to regain its needed energy.
O.O.O.O.O.
Sam stood in the line holding the blue basket annoyingly in his hand. He along with twenty others behind him were now pushed back into the main walkway of the store. People brushed past him and Sam was forced to move several times for oncoming carts.
O.O.O.O.O.
Amy turned on the lights of the Christmas tree in Dean and Sam's hotel room. She opened the balcony curtains to reveal the restless town. The lights were slightly dim and the fire was burning. Amy turned on the television and found Charlie Brown soon enough. She left it on the channel and turned back to look at Dean.
His hand rested on his bare stomach. His chest rose and fell slowly as he slept. Dean breathed deeply and calmly and rolled onto his side.
"Dean…" Amy laughed.
She came to the bed and sat down on the edge. Her hand went to Dean's arm and she slowly rolled him back to where he faced her.
He moaned in his sleep and a part of him seemed to be waking up. His eyes slowly opened and he could see Amy in the light.
"You're sleeping far too much…" Amy chuckled. "Sam will be a while before he gets back…he's at a store on Christmas Eve…poor Sam."
Dean tilted his head to look up at her. His hazel eyes seemed duller. He blinked several times and rubbed his eyes.
"Are you feeling okay?" Amy asked, a bit of concern in her tone. She reached over and touched Dean's forehead. He didn't feel hot, but a regular, warm temperature.
"Dean?" Amy whispered.
He awoke a bit more. Dean blinked slowly and sighed. "Hey…"
Amy smiled and gave Dean a worried look. "I think you're getting sick…maybe not a fever…"
"So you're going to let me sleep?" Dean grinned tiredly.
She laughed and shook her head. "C'mon, sleeping too much can give you a headache too…sit up a bit…"
Dean did sit up slowly. His hands swiftly moved around Amy's waist and he playfully pulled her across the bed and made her sit slightly in his lap.
"Dean!" Amy laughed. She slapped his shoulder and warned, "Hey, we're not teenagers any more…"
"Doesn't mean we can't play…" Dean whispered. He gave her that smile.
Amy removed herself from his grip and she stared at him oddly. "Dean, are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah…" Dean grinned.
She realized her hand was placed on his bare chest. Amy pulled back and got off the bed.
"Go splash your face with some cold water…I'm going to watch Charlie Brown…"
Dean bit his upper lip and raised his eyebrows at her. Amy stared at him oddly as Dean slowly got up and went to the bathroom.
Amy looked after Dean questionably but then her focus went to Charlie Brown.
O.O.O.O.O.
Finally…just six more people…Sam thought happily as he looked over the customers in front of him.
He waited patiently in line and looked around at the Christmas decorations in the sore. He wanted to get back to the hotel room as soon as possible.
Sam turned when he felt someone advance on him. He turned to the side and saw an older woman come to him a large smile.
"Sam," the woman greeted, wearing a green blouse and jeans. She had a large black purse slung over her shoulder and she carried a young boy in her arms. The boy looked like her and had curly brown hair and he wore a heavy jean jacket and red pants. He couldn't be older than three.
"Miranda," Sam greeted the woman. He gave a warm smile and his grin grew wider at the child.
"Sam, this is my son, Quentin…" Miranda introduced. The boy gave Sam an embarrassed grin and then buried his face in his mother's curly hair.
She laughed and asked, "So, Sam, doing some last minute Christmas shopping?"
"Yeah," Sam admitted. "And yourself?"
"Quentin wanted to make s'mores tonight – and I promised – so we're out in search of marshmallows and chocolate…"
Sam laughed and nodded his head. "We checked out the manor…it's a very nice-looking house…"
"Oh yes," Miranda's smile grew larger. "I knew you would enjoy it. Sorry, but I won't be selling…the thought did cross my mind…but it's been in the family for so long…"
"I understand," Sam grinned.
"And where are your partners?" Miranda asked. "That adorable looking woman and the gentleman with the leather jacket and the cute pouty lips?"
Sam laughed and said, "They're back at the hotel. Waiting for me."
"Oh, well I hope you three enjoyed Wendy Falls," Miranda smiled. "Oh, and did you hear about what happened at that party last night at Summer Stream Park?"
"What happened?" Sam asked as if he were interested.
"I've been getting calls all day…" Miranda laughed. "My friends told me they were at that party and a wolf was seen! Can you believe it! People have been calling me all day to re-hear the Walker Wolf story…everyone's been going nuts about it…"
"Well it's good no one got hurt," Sam noted.
Miranda nodded and said, "Oh yes, quite true. But it's unbelievable how many people wanted to hear the story again. They want to know all the details of the party…what people wore…how Billy introduced Ana Maria-"
She continued to ramble on and Sam put on a warm smile.
"-And of course everyone wanted details about that dreadful attack on the French woman," Miranda explained, "how the animal attacked her and then Billy shot the creature with his shotgun…and of course later on he burned the animal while it was still alive no less-"
"Wait-what?" Sam asked flabbergasted. His eyes grew wide and he leaned in closer to hear Miranda.
"Oh, didn't I tell you?" Miranda questioned. Her eyebrows raised and she cocked her head to the side. "Well," she continued, "that very night that dangerous wolf was still alive…the guests begged Billy to shoot the animal again and put it out of its misery…he took it out back…set a fire…and he burned the animal while it was still alive. The guests at that party talked about it for years how they could hear the animal hissing and growling…"
He burned the wolf…Sam thought.
He remembered: Lori attacked Philip with the candle…
"I know…it's such a terrible, gloomy story…" Miranda said, studying Sam's face.
Amy said: "…if the demon has not been completely exorcised and destroyed…the infection can be aware of its own destruction…so it grows faster and works faster…to fulfill its purpose…"
Sam also remembered Lori explaining to him Philip had been acting odd and he seemed tired…
Dean's been sleeping all day…and he kept rubbing his eyes…
Dropping his basket to the floor, Sam didn't care his items fell out and rolled onto the floor. Miranda watched as the twenty-two-year-old left the line abruptly and headed toward the automatic doors. Sam was seen leaving the store and the forty-year-old woman was left to stare after him with a queer look on her face.
O.O.O.O.O.
"Hi, you've reached the cell phone of Amy Cromwell, if you leave a name-"
Sam hung up quickly and gritted his teeth as he quickly got into the black Impala.
He turned the ignition on and flipped his cell phone on again to call Dean's cell phone.
Dean's going to attack Amy…
"You're right…" a voice whispered.
Sam whipped around in the driver's seat and turned to the back. No one was there.
He turned back around slowly and turned to the rearview mirror.
Jessica's soft face and gentle lips were in the mirror's reflection.
"Jessica…" Sam whispered.
She stared at him and gave him a small smile. "Hurry…"
O.O.O.O.O.
Amy sat underneath the covers of Dean's bed. She watched "Charlie Brown's Christmas" with a soft smile. It wasn't a realization that Dean's cell phone was vibrating on the table.
She laughed at a particular part in the show and turned her head when she saw Dean staring at her from the bathroom.
He leaned against the open door coolly with his arm leaning against the door above his head. His lips were curved into a devilish grin.
From where she was sitting, Amy didn't notice Dean's hazel eyes were now silver…
O.O.O.O.O.
Sam hung up his cell phone again and grunted in an agitated way. He was stuck at a red light and there was a police car in the opposite lane.
His eyes went to rearview mirror…Jessica was no longer there.
Let Amy be okay…let Dean be okay…
O.O.O.O.O.
"Dean?" Amy asked, watching as her friend slowly made his way toward her.
"You are so beautiful…" Dean stopped by the bed, smiling down at her.
Amy narrowed her eyes and let out a small laugh. "Wet hair and a gray sweatshirt…I know I'm dead sexy..."
Her voice trailed off. Amy squinted up at Dean and asked, "Dean…your eyes-"
"The better to see you with my dear…" Dean grinned.
She slowly removed the covers off of her legs and Amy leaped out of the bed. She stood on the opposite side of Dean.
Amy's heart was beating and she kept her distance safely from Dean.
"Dean…" Amy whispered. "Listen to me…we need to call Sam…we need to get you help…"
If I scream for help, Dean will get into trouble…where's Sam…
Amy gulped and watched as Dean continued to smile at her.
"That's what I've always liked about you Amy…" Dean said softly. "Always caring for others…always trying to be strong…you don't have to be that way with me…"
He held his hand out to her. Amy stared at it, terrified, and looked directly behind Dean.
I need to get to the door…
"Amy…" Dean whispered. He bent down on the bed and balanced on his knees. He continued to crawl across and Amy took several steps back.
"Dean…you know what you're going to do…you can fight this…" Amy pleaded. She was shaking.
Dean shook his head and continued to make his way across the bed.
Now!- Amy thought quickly. She quickly dodged past Dean's open hand and attempted to run by the bed and toward the door.
She felt Dean's strong arms quickly wrap around her waist. He jumped up to grab her and suddenly Dean pushed her across the room until the two fell back onto Sam's bed.
"No," Amy begged, her wrists being held down by him.
"I'm not afraid of telling you how I feel anymore…" Dean whispered, his silver eyes staring deeply into Amy's.
"Amy…" Dean spoke silently. "I care for you…so much than I could never admit that…c'mon…we've been kidding ourselves since we were teenagers…it's always been so obvious…"
He bent down slowly to kiss her. Amy turned her head and instead Dean's lips moved across her neck.
Dean let go of Amy's wrists and he grabbed her shoulders. He shook her and demanded, "Why are you fighting this!"
"This isn't you, Dean…" Amy stammered. "Please, fight this…you're going to kill the both of us, you know that?"
"It's better…" Dean explained. "We'll be together in death…if we're together now…we're always going to be worrying about each other…always being scared…if we're dead…there's nothing more to be afraid of…"
"I don't want you to die…" Amy snapped. "And I know you won't allow yourself to kill me…"
"I'm tired of fighting, Amy," Dean gritted his teeth.
O.O.O.O.O.
Sam's cheeks stiffened as he tried to drive as fast as he could. His hands were gripped so tight around the wheel he thought his hands were turning red.
Amy…Dean…Amy…Dean…
O.O.O.O.O.
Dean leaned down to kiss her again. Amy tried to push him away and she turned her face again.
Frustrated, Dean picked up Amy and forced her to stand. He wrapped his arms tight around her waist and pulled her close to his open chest.
Amy felt Dean's lips come to her neck. He kissed her continuously and she could feel his teeth and tongue brush against her skin.
No…Dean…
"Sorry, Dean," Amy whispered, she quickly raised her leg and kicked Dean in the groin.
He pulled back and yelled. He keeled over and Amy pushed Dean onto the floor.
Before he fell, Dean quickly swung his arm and Amy felt the back of his hand impact with her cheek. She fell back again onto Sam's bed and rolled across it.
Dean slowly tried to pull himself off the floor.
Amy, recovering from Dean's blow, tried to get off the bed.
He stopped her quickly and Dean swung one leg over so his legs kept Amy in lock. He sat above her and Amy stared terrified up at him.
Amy tried to fight back but Dean grabbed a hold of Amy's wrists with one hand. His other hand slowly snaked down to the Amy's sweatshirt. She felt his hand slowly go up the sweatshirt. His hand felt the thin fabric of her tank top and his fingers crept underneath to feel her skin.
"No…" Amy begged. "Dean, please, this isn't you…you have to fight it…"
She tried to fight back but he was so much stronger now. Stronger than usual.
Amy felt Dean's hand above her stomach. Soon she could feel his finger tips at the fabric of her bra.
She struggled once more – surprising Dean – and Amy reached up and slapped Dean. She hadn't meant to slap him. Amy had wanted to punch him.
Dean, staring down angrily at her, grabbed her arms and pulled her up so the two were face to face.
"YOU need to stop fighting, Amy…" Dean growled. "It'll all be over soon…just be patient…"
He moved his lips down to hers. Amy forced her face away and once again, Dean's anger along with the demonic infection took control. He got off from the bed and picked up Amy with him.
She fell onto the floor and her arms fell toward the Christmas tree.
Dean knelt down to her, sitting above her.
"Ready to be a good girl?" Dean asked.
Amy looked up and suddenly she pulled off one of the plastic icicles from the tree. She sat up quickly and raised the icicle and quickly stabbed it into Dean's thigh.
He yelled in pain and he reached for his bleeding leg. Dean wrapped his hand around the plastic ornament and ripped it from his leg. He tossed it aside and got up to the floor slowly. Dean lifted Amy in his arms.
Amy felt her body being pushed back and she hit the wall hard. She fell beside the hotel couch and then onto the floor.
She groaned slightly in pain and found no strength to stand.
"Dean…" Amy begged weakly. "Don't do this…"
"It's okay, Amy…we'll be together…" Dean whispered. He seemed to disregard his bleeding leg and wound. He left the room and went into his own.
Amy gulped and tried to catch a breath. Her head turned to see Dean come back in the room…his gun in his hand…
O.O.O.O.O.
Sam didn't wait for the hotel elevator and instead used the stairs. He breathed quickly and skipped every fourth step.
O.O.O.O.O.
"Dean…" Amy's eyes grew wide at the sight of the gun.
Dean stared down at the weapon in his hand.
"You're not cooperating…" Dean muttered. "So…Amy…don't worry…it'll be quick-"
His hand rose slightly and Amy gulped.
The door of the hotel room swung opened and Sam came sprinting inside.
The gun fell from his hand once Dean was tackled onto the floor by Sam.
"Sam…" Amy choked out.
"Amy!" Sam cried out, sitting above his brother's body and fighting to keep his arms restraint. "Fire!"
"What?" Amy asked, watching as Dean took a swing at Sam. Sam fell back and Dean got up quickly toward Amy. She backed away and crawled onto the couch.
Sam wrapped his arm around Dean's neck from behind.
"Amy – fire!" Sam cried desperately. "It's the only way to stop him!"
Trying to understand, Amy followed Sam's orders and she quickly jumped over Sam's bed and then Dean's.
"Sammy…you're ruining everything!" Dean shouted as he tried to run after Amy.
"It's okay Dean…" Sam reminded as he kept his lock on Dean.
Amy came out of her room carrying her bath towel.
"HURRY!" Sam shouted, feeling his hold on Dean weakening.
She tossed one end of the towel into the fireplace. Once it seemed to catch onto the flames, Amy whipped the towel out and stared at Dean sadly.
"Sorry," Amy apologized and she quickly swung the fiery towel against Dean's bare side.
"ARRGHH!" Dean shouted and Sam let Dean go.
When Dean fell onto his knees Sam came around his brother, and staring apologetically at him, quickly bent down and punched him.
Amy threw the burning towel onto the floor and continued to kick at it before the flames were gone.
Sam, tired, slowly sat down on the floor with his back against the bed.
Dean rested quietly on the floor, his hand over his chest.
"At least he gets the sleep he's wanted…" Sam sighed breathlessly.
Amy got down toward Sam and wrapped her arm around him.
"What the hell just happened?" Amy asked.
Sam took a deep breath and he quickly turned to Amy. He rested his hands on her shoulders and said, "Amy …I'm going to call room service and have them call me and Dean a cab…I'm going to take him to the hospital just in case…take Dean's car and go back to the manor…you have to burn the wooden crate with the wolf…"
"What?" Amy asked.
"I'll explain later…" Sam got up slowly and quickly went to the nightstand toward the white phone. While he dialed for room service, Amy quickly crawled across the floor toward Dean.
She lifted up his head and rested it down on her leg. Amy stared down at his bloody leg and quickly reached for the towel down on the floor.
Tying it tightly around the wound, Amy also reached up to the bed and pulled off the comforter. She covered Dean with it and kept her hand underneath his head. Her other hand touched his face gently and Amy whispered, "Dean…wake up…"
His eyes opened slowly and he immediately groaned in pain. His eyes were no longer silver but back to hazel.
She smiled as his eyes opened.
"Dean…" Amy whispered happily.
"Amy…" Dean coughed out. "Christ…I'm so sorry…are you okay – dammit – what have I done…"
"You didn't do anything," Amy reminded. "I'm fine…you're the one who got hurt worst in this…Sam is going to take you to the hospital, alright? Everything's going to be okay…"
"Amy…" Dean stared up sadly at her. "I'm so sorry…I almost-"
"You almost, but you didn't…" Amy finished. She touched his face and cheek and smiled down comfortingly at him.
Her hand stroked the side of his face and she ran her hand through his hair. She continued to smile at him but Dean couldn't figure out why.
Dean didn't care about his sore face. He didn't care about his leg bleeding. A part of him felt unbelievable joy that Amy was okay.
"It's okay…" she continued to repeat. "You'll be okay…"
O.O.O.O.O.